Community & Member Engagement
Planting the Seed
Many years ago, at a research administration conference, I stopped by the Research Administration Certification Council (RACC) booth for some cool swag—and ended up with the desire to study for the Certified Research Administrator (CRA) exam. One brief conversation changed my day-to-day work life from a JOB to a CAREER.
I had found my circle! Research Administrators are engaging, enlightening, and encouraging. The conference flew by, as I was constantly amazed by the breadth of knowledge shared about research happening around the globe. I learned how to communicate to researchers that I was a team member, and I became hopeful that I could be effective both on and off my institutional campus.
I quietly began studying for the CRA. I joined study groups, sought out study tips from certified colleagues, and set a timeline for completion. There were times when I doubted myself, but I persevered, and I am so thankful I did! After the CRA, I decided to pursue the Certified Pre-Award Research Administrator (CPRA). My desire to continuously seek knowledge that would allow me to better support the departmental faculty eventually led me to earn the Certified Financial Research Administrator (CFRA) as well. Was obtaining all three RACC certifications the end of my learning curve? Absolutely not! I then decided to pursue a master’s in research administration.
I encouraged others to achieve the CRA. I organized study groups on my campus and shared all the helpful resources that had been so generously shared with me. Then one day, I received an email about an opportunity to serve on the RACC Board of Directors. I self-nominated- once, twice- and finally, on the third try, I was selected for an interview and offered a position on the board.
What an honor it is to serve alongside some of the most amazing research administrators in the field! We recognize the value of our certifications and have a passion for advancing the profession.
My journey with RACC has been incredibly rewarding. I have built friendships that will outlast my term on the board as well as my time in research administration. I’m so thankful for the many lessons and for the hard work of the directors that came before me. I know our current board of directors will continue to uphold everything RACC represents as we champion certification and lifelong learning in this field.
I was recently asked what I consider to be my greatest contribution to research administration. My response? I’m not sure I’ve achieved it…yet. I would like to believe the best is still to come!
I hope I’ve planted a seed in someone reading this—encouraging them to believe in themselves, invest in their growth, and give back to others. Surround yourself with those that engage, enlighten, and encourage you to be the very best version of yourself—because, in this profession and in life, we all get by with a little help from our friends!